Ukraine Targets Cargo Ships Amid Rising Tensions Before Putin's Speech

WHO:

BBC - Ukraine is involved in striking cargo ships.

BBC - President Putin is preparing for a key speech.

WHAT:

BBC - Ukraine struck five ships carrying illegal cargo.

BBC - The ships included cargo vessels and tankers.

BBC - The names of the five ships were painted over, and their radars were turned off.

WHERE:

BBC - The strikes occurred in the Sea of Azov and in coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories.

WHY:

BBC - The aim of the actions was to quietly steal Ukrainian grain and transfer military cargo and fuel.

HOW:

BBC - The ships were targeted while their radars were turned off.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 15:53 UTC)

Ukraine has launched strikes against five cargo ships in the Sea of Azov and coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories, targeting vessels involved in the illegal transfer of Ukrainian grain and military supplies. The ships, which included cargo vessels and tankers, had their names painted over and radars turned off at the time of the strikes. Meanwhile, President Putin is preparing for a significant speech that is expected to address the ongoing situation.